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Immigration and visas

Your eVisa

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UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) are now in the process of replacing physical documents (such as biometric residence permit (BRP), physical visa sticker in a passport, immigration ink stamp) with an online record of your immigration status. This is known as an eVisa.

As physical documents expire you will be able to use your eVisa to prove your status securely with third parties, such as employers or landlords and view your immigration status. You will also need to use your eVisa to travel in and out of the UK. 

Who should have an eVisa?

All nationals granted UK immigration permission to enter or stay in the UK under the Student route will be able to apply for an eVisa. 

You will need to create your UKVI account by the end of 2024 to avoid issues when travelling and proving your rights in the UK after 31 December 2024. 

How to set up your UKVI account

To access your eVisa you need to create a UKVI account. Updating to the eVisa will not affect your immigration status or the conditions of your permission to enter or stay in the UK. UKVI have advised that you should continue to carry your BRP with you for travel until it expires (even once you have an eVisa).

To create your account you will need:

  • Your BRP number or visa application number (also known as a GWF or UAN number)
  • An identity document (passport/BRP)
  • Access to an email address and phone number
  • Access to a smartphone
  • Access to the ID Check app

You should create your UKVI account on the gov.uk eVisa webpage

Once you have a UKVI account please remember to update it with any changes (personal details, contact details, new passport etc)

You can watch a video to find out how to create your UKVI account. 

If you do not have your visa application (reference) number you can request it during the UKVI account creation process. You will be directed to the Request Your Reference service if needed.  

Need help setting up your UKVI account?

If you experience any difficulties or need assistance with setting up your eVisa account you should contact UKVI for assistance. 

You can contact the Resolution Centre. This is open from 8am - 8pm Monday to Friday (UK time) and from 8am - 6pm on Saturday and Sunday. 

Alternatively you can utilise the UKVI's webchat service which is a virtual agent which operates 24 hours a day. 

If you are a vulnerable user and need assistance creating your UKVI account and accessing your eVisa you can find a list of organisations who can assist you. 

What to do when you have an eVisa

Your eVisa will contain a lot of information, it is your responsibility to check it immediately. If there are any errors, including your personal details and length of leave you must take action to report this to the Home Office and have your visa corrected as soon as possible. 

Your eVisa will be linked to your passport in your UKVI account. You must keep your passport or ID card details up to date in your UKVI account and let the Home Office know about any changes so that your immigration status can be easily identified at the UK border. 

Check your visa expiry date

You should have been given some additional time after the course end date on your CAS, often referred to as the 'wrap up period'.

Read the Periods and Conditions of Grant section of the Student Immigration Rules to find out how much extra time you should be given. Most Essex students will receive either an additional two months or four months depending on the length of their course.

You can find more guidance about the conditions and length of permission you should have been given on our Student route outcome page.

Report an error to the Home Office

If you notice an error with your eVisa. Please report this to the Home Office via the Report an error form how to report an error with your eVisa

When your details have been updated on your eVisa, you will need to provide a new share code to the University.

If you have any difficulties doing so please contact the International Services Team

Changes to name, nationality or address

You must report changes to your name, address, or nationality to the Home Office and your eVisa should be updated. Some changes may require you to provide further documentation and if they do they will let you know.

When your details have been updated on your eVisa, you will need to provide a new share code to the University.

You will need to update your contact details on your myEssex student portal.

Read our Student directory to find out what you need to do about other changes to your personal details or circumstances.

What is a Share code?

If you need to share the information that is included on your eVisa with someone such as the University, Landlord or an employer or a UK Border official when you travel you will need to obtain a share code.

Watch the UKVI’s view and prove video or visit the gov.uk webpages for  further details on how to get your Share code.  

Please note share codes are valid for 90 days from date of issue and can be used as many times as required during this period, after which you will need to request a new one.

Travelling with an eVisa

You will need your eVisa and passport to travel to the UK.

UKVI have published a helpful video on How to travel with your eVisa

Your current passport must be liked to your UKVI account.  You should continue to carry your physical immigration document if you have one, for example your BRP, until it expires.

Make sure your personal details are up to date well in advance before you travel. You may be delayed or denied boarding by carriers if your information is not correct.

Please note if you have recently updated your passport on your UKVI account but have not received confirmation of the change before you travel, you should carry both new and old passports with you.

You should check your eVisa details are correct before you travel in or out of the UK. You can find further detail information on the gov.uk website

eVisa for other 'non student' Immigration permission

If you have indefinite leave to enter or indefinite leave to remain (also known as settlement or settled status) and you currently prove your rights through a different type of physical document, such as a wet-ink stamp in your passport or a vignette sticker, then you should check on the gov.uk eVisa webpage to check what action you need to take to obtain an eVisa.

You can continue to prove your rights using your existing physical documents where these are permitted. This includes for proving your right to rent or for travel to the UK.

What should I do with my BRP (Biometric Residence Permit)?

UKVI advise that you have been issued a BRP you should continue to carry it with you when you travel until it expires.

You do not need to tell the UKVI that your BRP has expired. 

Keep your expired BRP - you may need this if you apply to stay in the UK.  

Further information

UKVI have published an eVisa factsheet 

The latest information about eVisas is available on the UKVI website and from UKCISA including frequently answered questions.

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